By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal

An estimated crowd of 800 fans looked on as the Central High Lions defeated the Calhoun High Tigers by 20 points, 82-62 in regional varsity boys basketball action played at Letohatchee Saturday night.

Rounding out the night, the Calhoun Junior Varsity Boys defeated Central 46-43, and the Central Girls defeated Calhoun 66-48.

In varsity boys action, Central jumped out to an early 5-0 lead and held a four point edge 23-19 at the end of the first quarter.

Central led by 12 points at the half 42-34 and led by eight points at the end of the third 59-51.

But the Lions proved too much for the Tigers down the stretch as they pulled away dominating the final quarter and winning 82-62.

The Lions were led by T.J. Saffold with 22 points, Dominic Surles with 16 and Markeazz Holcombe with 15 points.

Calhoun was led by Jamine Jordan with 18 points and Jamichael Jordan with 14 points.

The win improved Central to 11-6, 2-0 on the season while Calhoun fell to 8-7, 0-1.

“I think our team played well tonight together,” said Central head basketball coach Toriano Baker following the game. “And that’s what we’re striving to do better as we get ready for playoffs.”

Baker said, “Calhoun is always a good competitive game, and I think we did a good team job tonight.”

He said he likes to balance things out without one guy scoring 30 points or one guy scoring 20, “And that’s what makes us effective.”

Baker said his team just got two guys back, Marcus Mitchell and Calvin Harris. He said Mitchell is the “heartbeat” of the team. “And with him (Mitchell) in the game, we’re a lot faster than we were.”

He said with both Mitchell and Harris, “I think we stand a good chance of going pretty far.”

Calhoun head basketball coach Jim Hunter said his kids “played a little tight.” He also said his team had trouble scoring points.

Hunter said if his team’s other guard doesn’t step up, his team is in trouble.

Hunter said he did not think he could single anyone out for their good play because there were so many turnovers.

He said Saturday’s performance was a “team mistake.”

In girls action, Kendreuna McPherson scored 34 for Central while Valenciya Allen scored 18 for Calhoun.

In Junior varsity action, Darrell Haygood scored 27 for Calhoun and Tyree Aaron scored 10 for Central.